The Secret Life of Snowshoe Hares: A Tale of Survival and Growth

In the vast wilderness of Yukon, Canada, a captivating story unfolds every 9 to 11 years. Snowshoe hares, those fluffy-footed creatures, undergo dramatic population changes that have puzzled scientists for nearly a century.

The Study

Researchers analyzed over 20,000 captures of more than 7,000 unique snowshoe hares from Kluane Lake. Their goal was to uncover the secrets behind these population cycles.

Key Findings

• Juvenile hares have the toughest time surviving.
• Adult females who are reproducing have the best survival rates.
• Time of year significantly impacts survival rates.
• Hares have better survival rates during the breeding season, especially in the middle and later parts.
• When the population is growing, hares tend to do better overall.

The Role of Reproduction

As the population shifts from low to growing:

• Female hares are more likely to start reproducing and continue to do so.
• This leads to an increase in the number of baby hares, aiding population growth.

Population Dynamics

• The population grows fastest during the increase phase.
• During this phase, hares have the shortest generation time, allowing them to reproduce and have babies quicker.
• When the population starts to decline, it's primarily due to lower survival rates, especially for baby hares before they are weaned.

Future Research

While the study provides valuable insights, there's still more to learn. Understanding how reproduction changes during these cycles could be the key to unlocking the full story of the snowshoe hare's secret life.